‘The Cost’ Review
Stars: Nicole Pastor, Jordan Fraser-Trumble, Damon Hunter, Kevin Dee, Clayton Watson, Nadia Fragnito, Mark Redpath | Written by Matthew Holmes, Gregory Moss | Directed by Matthew Holmes
A voicemail message opens director Matthew Holmes’ film The Cost, as Stephanie (Nicole Pastor) leaves a message for her husband apologising for an argument while asking to be picked up from the station. As the recording conveys her sincerity in making up, that hope is drained due to the following sight of Stephanie’s lifeless body. The story then flashes to the present day, as David (Jordan Fraser-Trumble) and Aaron (Damon Hunter) prepare themselves for the coming weekend. Their loved ones are told the pair are going on a camping trip, although the packed items hint at more sinister plans.
A sense of foreboding is effectively set, as The Cost also shows Troy (Kevin Dee) drowning his sorrows, unaware of what is coming. Abducted and taken to a private property, Troy is made aware of why this is happening; he raped and murdered the beloved wife/sister of the two grieving men, and they make it clear the pair do not consider Troy’s 10 years imprisoned as sufficient punishment for his crimes.
What unfolds is a morally grey tale about vigilante justice, as the two men set to punish the man who shattered their families lives. The weight of Troy’s actions is effectively conveyed, as the monologues and performances tremendously capture the pain and rage felt by the grieving pair. They viscerally work through their shared loss, believing this violent outlet would make things better as they finally feel in control after their pain left them feeling powerless.
Despite the men’s precise planning, the pair worry their plans will be discovered as complications arise. What unfolds are nail-biting scenes as they contend with the ramifications of their actions coming to light, and are forced to improvise when unforeseen variables interrupt things. Dave also struggles with the reality of the situation, questioning whether it is what Stephanie would have wanted, while Aaron intends to finish the plan. As Troy pleads for his life and expresses regret for his actions, the query arises whether he is genuine or if the admissions over his awful life are self-preservation tactics.
Director Holmes and co-writer Gregory Moss round off their engrossing feature by disregarding the romanticism of revenge, instead highlighting the weight felt by the grieving men due to their unflinching actions. By the end, it is clear what occurred will linger in the survivors’ minds due to a desire to follow the “an eye for an eye” mentality.
Thanks for this awesome review of my film!!! So glad you enjoyed it and that its themes came through and resonated.